President Trump is set to address Social Security reforms from the Oval Office, signaling a significant development in how the administration tackles fraud and improves service delivery. Scheduled for 1 pm ET, this announcement comes on the heels of revealing that 275,000 illegal aliens have been removed from Social Security benefits.
The administration touts considerable advancements in the efficiency of Social Security operations. A White House statement highlights that the agency is now managing 70% more calls than last year while slashing the average response time from a staggering 30 minutes to just six. This dramatic reduction is primarily due to enhanced technology that allows automated systems to handle 90% of calls, enabling quicker service and reducing frustration for Americans seeking assistance.
Further improvements extend to field offices. Wait times have fallen by 23%, and more visitors are utilizing scheduled appointments—five times as many compared to the previous year. For the first time in years, all Social Security offices are fully staffed, with employees returning to work in-person five days a week, an essential move to enhance service to the public.
Social Security has also embraced technology, offering Americans 24/7 access to their online accounts. This follows the elimination of significant scheduled downtime, which previously lasted 29 hours per week. In just the first two weeks, over 280,000 customers accessed their accounts without interruption. The agency is in the process of implementing a new recording and transcription system, aiming to boost accuracy while saving millions of dollars annually.
Moreover, the agency has made strides in tackling the backlog of disability claims. Reports indicate a 26% reduction in the backlog from last year’s all-time high. The average processing time dropped by five days, and wait times for disability hearings have been slashed by 60 days. More than 3.1 million payments, totaling over $17 billion, were expedited under the Social Security Fairness Act, delivered five months ahead of schedule.
With a newfound focus on accountability, the Social Security Administration has identified over $1 billion in potential cost savings and efficiencies within the current fiscal year. The agency is also addressing issues related to improper payments, rolling out a new payroll information exchange designed to work directly with payroll providers. This effort is projected to save billions in payment losses over the next decade, showcasing a commitment to safeguarding taxpayers’ money while supporting eligible beneficiaries.
"*" indicates required fields
